VICTORIA, B.C. - In response to the arrest of several Indigenous Youth yesterday, the B.C. Green Caucus released the following statement:
“Yesterday afternoon I was invited by Minister Fraser to bear witness to his conversation with the Indigenous youth,” said B.C. Green Party interim leader Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich-North and the Islands and a member of Tsartlip First Nation.
“The youth were articulate and eloquent in sharing their lived experience as Indigenous people living in modern Canada, and in expressing their strong concerns regarding the Coastal GasLink conflict within the Wet’suwet’en territory.
“This was a good faith dialogue, and I appreciated the Minister’s invitation to be a witness to the conversation. It was understood by all parties that there was a commitment to leave upon the conclusion of the meeting.
“I am disappointed that the Indigenous youth representatives chose to disregard their commitment that allowed this dialogue to take place.
“My hope remains for us to all come together, learn from each other, and continue to sit around the table. It will take time and more dialogue to address the systemic issues created by the Indian Act. This is about more than one pipeline; it’s about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the importance of consultation, the protection of our lands, and recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples.”
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